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Osinbajo tasks Christians on how to manage hatred, persecution

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Osinbajo to youths: Integrity is your most valuable collateral

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday said that true Christians are called to love and pray for their enemies and those who persecute them.

He stated this in Lagos at the national headquarters of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Nigeria, during a presentation of the biography of the General Overseer of the church, Felix Meduoye, which was entitled, ‘Felix Meduoye: the Footprints of an Apostle of Grace.’

At the event chaired by a former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Osinbajo said:

“The gospel of Jesus Christ is a contrarian gospel because it does not agree with our flesh. The Bible for instance says we must pray for our enemies, bless those who curse us and even those who persecute us.

“But our flesh says we should curse those who curse us. In fact, curse them so much that they will not again dare to curse. The Scriptures say we should not revenge. The power of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ lies in that very contrarian nature. The gospel speaks to that which we do not want to accept.

“I have seen as I travel around the country how God’s love is demonstrated by other people, ordinary Christians; a woman whose two children were killed and her father was also injured in the North East. I spoke to her and she said, we still must pray for these people.  These people are the people to whom we have been called. I was surprised.

“I have heard leaders of our faith who speak with such bitterness. When I heard this woman who had lost her two children speak, I knew she spoke from the very depth of the grace that God gives to those who truly believe in him and I know it is that kind of love that can conquer all situations and win souls and win over the worst of men and the worst of women. It is that exceptional kind of love that Christ himself taught us. But it is so difficult. Yet that is the gospel.”

In his speech, Gowon noted that biographies were well-liked because readers consider them to teach helpful life lessons.

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He added, “The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Felix Meduoye, wants us to appreciate God’s favour in his life. We all are products of God’s abiding grace. But not every human being is humble enough to acknowledge God for his grace. Some would rather want to attribute their achievements to brilliance or wealth or professional know-how.”

According to Professor Bamitale Omole, the book reviewer and pro-chancellor of the Ekiti State University, the book could serve as a manual for anyone striving to succeed in life and ministry.

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